POTTSVILLE -- An unofficial census report given at Thursday night's Pottsville City Council meeting showed the city's predictions were right -- Pottsville's recorded population of 1,271 has more than doubled during the past five years.

Jeff Fryer, assistant to the mayor, said he has received an unofficial new population number of 2,500 from the U.S. Census Bureau. An official tally should be presented next month.

The Pottsville City Council began discussing the possibility of a special census late last year, and just last month, census takers came to the city for the recount.

Mayor Jerry Duvall previously explained the city used the number of water meters in the city as an indication the population had risen. He estimated the cost of a special census would be about $60,000, and said if the city's projections were correct, the census would pay for itself in four months.

The council approved an revision to the July 2006 city budget to include the $45,000 up-front census cost.

Duvall also previously explained state and federal governments provide money for city streets, parks and facilities based on its population, and showing such a dramatic increase in population would be beneficial to the city.

During the last 10 years, local contractors have built at least seven new subdivisions, and Pottsville has annexed land to accommodate them.

City officials indicate the city's affordable housing and excellent schools have contributed to the rise in population as well.

According to representatives of the Pottsville School District, elementary school enrollment increased from 418 students in 2000 to 549 students in spring 2006. High school enrollment rose from 307 students in 2001 to 390 students this year.